Behavior Assessment of Children in Dental Settings: A Retrospective Study

In children, dental anxiety and fear of dental treatment have been recognized as a source of problems in patient management for many years, which can affect the quality of care. Aims : The aim of the study was to assess the behavior of children during their dental visit and to determine the effect of behavior management techniques on children. Materials and Methods : A retrospective study was done by analyzing the records of 328 children to assess their behavior during dental visits. Behavior assessment was done using Frankl's behavior rating scale. All children were exposed to live modeling and tell-show-do behavior management technique. Statistical analysis : The analysis was carried out using SPSS version 10. The comparison between visits was carried out by applying Friedman test. Results and conclusion : Children showed improvement in their behavior with every subsequent visits. Proper assessment of children's behavior helps the dentist to execute a required treatment plan in the most appropriate manner. Techniques like live modeling and tell-show-do are very effective in modifying a child's behavior.